6 Delicious and Nutritious Halloween Snacks for the Elderly

By Ilse du Bernard, 9:00 am on October 4, 2017

At Halloween, every age group should be allowed to indulge. However, for health-conscious seniors, this indulgence might not include mini-chocolate bars and candy corn. Here are 6 healthy Halloween snacks seniors can enjoy.

1. Jack-o-Lanterns Filled with Fruit

Fruit-filled jack-o-lanterns are comprised of hollowed-out oranges and a colorful fruit salad. To make them, cut the top off an orange and remove the pulp, then draw a jack-o-lantern face on the front to complete its transformation into a pumpkin. Chop the leftover orange into bite-sized pieces and add fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and bananas. Scoop the fruit into the empty orange peels, and seniors get their daily dose of vitamin C in one tasty snack.

Seniors who need assistance with meal preparation and other daily tasks can benefit from professional in-home care. The Woodlands home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Candy Apples

Candy apples are coated in a thick layer of hardened sugar, which can turn them to calorie-filled junk foods. Instead of coating the apples in hard sugar, use dark chocolate. This type of chocolate is filled with antioxidants. When combined with apples, it creates a heart-healthy snack seniors are sure to enjoy.

3. Candy Corn Popsicles

Candy corn may not have any nutritional value, but a candy corn popsicle does. To make this sweet treat, fill a popsicle mold with layers of yogurt, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It will look just like a piece of candy corn, but it will be filled with bone-strengthening calcium and immune-boosting vitamin C.

4. Pumpkin Veggie Platter

A veggie platter is a popular snack at parties. However, when planning a Halloween party, seniors need to get a little creative. Consider arranging baby carrots in the shape of a pumpkin. Use black olives for the eyes, nose, and mouth. A piece of broccoli can be used as the pumpkin stalk. This is a fun way to make sure seniors get their daily dose of vegetables.

Consider hiring a respite caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties to consult a nutritionist and plan your loved one’s meals. Kingwood respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Spiders on a Log

Everyone knows about ants on a log. The classic afterschool snack is comprised of celery, peanut butter, and raisins. For a spooky Halloween treat, swap the raisins for spider-shaped candies. This healthy snack combines celery, which is loaded with antioxidants and enzymes, with peanut butter, which is an excellent source of protein.

6. Spider Eggs

Deviled eggs are a good source of vitamins A, B, and K. To dress up this classic party snack, top off the deviled eggs with black olives cut up to resemble spiders. Place half an olive atop each egg, then slice the other half of the olive into eight tiny pieces. Arrange these pieces to look like spider legs.

Aging adults who need assistance making healthier lifestyle choices should consider in-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, North Houston Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Whether your loved one needs occasional assistance with daily tasks or comprehensive 24/7 in-home care, call us at 832-412-1345 today.